- 1GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany (rgassmoeller@geomar.de)
- 2Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- 3Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- 4GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
- 5NAWI Graz Geocenter, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- 6University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 7New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM, USA
Modern geodynamic models have become increasingly complex, coupling detailed numerical approximations to many physical processes with large observational datasets. This coupling creates unique challenges for modern research software such as how to combine complex rheologies utilizing multiple flow mechanisms with the simultaneous modeling of mineral microstructure; how to model realistic geometries and evolving surface topography while simultaneously including large observational datasets of topography and surface deformation; and how to utilize highly-optimized and scalable numerical solvers while keeping up with changing high-performance computing architectures.
We here present our approach to reconciling these challenges: The next major release of ASPECT - The Advanced Solver for Planetary Evolution, Convection, and Tectonics. During the six years since our last major release, we have implemented many new features and improvements. Here we report on a new major release that highlights ASPECT's increased flexibility in modeling complex tectonic and convection problems. New features we will present at the workshop are in particular:
- A new default Stokes solver utilizing a matrix-free geometric multigrid preconditioner
- Complex rheologies like visco-elasto-plasticity including Peierls-, dislocation-, and diffusion-creep
- Models of pinned grain-size evolution in a two-mineral assemblage
- Evolution of crystal-preferred orientation using DREX like algorithms
- Utilizing modern external libraries for the accurate solution of ordinary differential equations
- Extended support for efficiently including large-scale datasets in parallel models
- Interfaces to surface evolution modeling software like Fastscape and others
- Optimizing finite element type, degree, and advection method for different compositions
- Major improvements to the structure of the code base, plugin systems, and user interface
As usual the release is open-source and freely available at https://aspect.geodynamics.org/. We hope that providing well-documented, flexible, and tested geodynamic research software provides the community with the necessary tools to tackle the geodynamic research questions of the next decade.
How to cite: Gassmöller, R., Heister, T., Bangerth, W., Dannberg, J., Fraters, M., Glerum, A., Myhill, R., and Naliboff, J.: ASPECT 3.0: The Advanced Solver for Planetary Evolution, Convection, and Tectonics, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16478, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16478, 2025.
